DMP arrived at Marl Pitts just one point behind Dale in the league table and looking to push for the play offs, and with Dale finding some good form of late a quality game of rugby was on the horizon. However there were some extremely controversial decisions which spoiled the game and handed DMP three questionable tries.

Dale started poorly and were soon 3 points down due to ill discipline, however with the slight wind advantage soon got back on the attack with some good tactical kicking. With Dale heavier up front and far more powerful they soon got on top of their opponents with some fine work from the set pieces and the loose. Paddy Pole forced his way over from short range to get the valley side up and running. Conversion missed.
Dale were working through the phases using the forwards to make dents and continued to put pressure on DMP, causing them to concede soft penalties. When Paddy pole crossed for his second try of the afternoon things were looking very bright for the home side. Bramhall added conversion.

12-3 up going to half time would have been a good lead to defend the wind for the second half, however DMP scored just before the break to get themselves back into the game. 12-10 half time.

Dale needed to work harder with the ball in hand and force DMP deep inside their own half and for most of the second half managed to keep them quiet. However, with the wind picking up DMP were starting to look dangerous in their backs and causing problems in attack and soon took the lead.

Another try, soon followed by another and, with the game turned through some unfathomable decisions, Dale were looking a sorry old side.

Dale fought to the end and crossed for two further tries through Johan Goosen and Danny Collins but time was not on their side, with DMP holding on for a narrow win.

This was certainly a game that got away, as at least two tries were very touch and go. However with no explanation for some of the decisions, Dale are left wondering that perhaps we couldn’t have prevented this and it just wasn’t our day.

Team; Roger Dennison, Ali Harper, Danny Harrison, Tom Albinson, Anthony Bingham, James Bramhall, Jamie Albinson, Danny Collins, Andy Dauncey, Johan Goosen, Mark Elliner, Paddy Pole, Danny Greenhaulgh, Paul Keys, Ian Marshall, Subs, Leyton Taylor, Grant Eddlestone, Nathan Settle